This volume stems from a 1984 conference titled "When are Competent Patients Incompetent?" organized by the Center for Ethics, Medicine, and Public Issues. It explores the moral status of competency determinations in clinical settings, featuring contributions from various individuals and extensive reflections by editors Earl Shelp and Mary Ann Gardell Cutter.
This book explores the societal backlash against sexual liberation and open discussions of sexuality in the 1980s. It critiques the growing conservatism surrounding issues like homosexuality, premarital sex, and sex education, highlighting a troubling trend towards ignorance and intolerance in the face of diverse sexual expressions.
This book discusses the resurgence of interest in virtue ethics, highlighting contributions from philosophers and theologians who advocate for the importance of virtues in moral reasoning and character. Notable figures like Alasdair MacIntyre and Stanley Hauerwas are mentioned as key players in reviving this crucial aspect of ethics.
This collection of essays explores the patient-physician relationship, a central focus of medicine, discussing its etiquette, philosophical, and moral dimensions. It addresses modern challenges arising from advancements in medical knowledge and cultural shifts, aiming to deepen understanding of this vital interaction without engaging in apologetics or polemics.
The principle of beneficence in health care often lacks clarity and certainty, despite its frequent use to justify actions. This principle is crucial in contexts where parties interact from varying strengths and needs. It is highlighted in bioethics and is relevant to health care delivery, research ethics, and public health policies.
This book delves into the underexplored area of justice in health care within the expanding field of bioethics. It highlights the growing academic interest and literature surrounding bioethical dilemmas, emphasizing the need for focused discussions on distributive justice as a core issue in biomedical ethics.